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Scientists are currently researching an experimental secondary cell - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 6
Scientists are currently researching an experimental secondary cell. The following reaction takes place in the experimental cell during discharge: Fe2(SO4)3(aq) + C... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists are currently researching an experimental secondary cell - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
State the energy transformation that occurs in the experimental cell during discharge.
Answer
The energy transformation that occurs in the experimental cell during discharge is from chemical energy to electrical energy. This means that the stored chemical energy of the reactants is converted into electrical energy as the cell discharges.
Step 2
Which reactant is the oxidising agent in the experimental cell during discharge? Use oxidation numbers to justify your answer.
Answer
The oxidising agent in the experimental cell during discharge is either Fe2(SO4)3 or Fe³⁺. This is because the oxidation number of iron changes from +3 in Fe2(SO4)3 to +2 in FeSO4. This reduction indicates that Fe³⁺ is gaining electrons, classifying it as an oxidising agent in the reaction.